Concerns over creek contamination

A milky substance has filled the waterway at Koolunga Nature Reserve in Ferntree Gully.

It’s believed illegal dumping is responsible for a contamination event at Koolunga Reserve in Ferntree Gully. Photos posted on 9 January on the Friends of Koolunga Native Reserve Facebook page show a milky substance filling the waterway where Rowan Jennion, vice-president of the Koolunga Native Reserve said ducks reside. Mr Jennion said this was not […]

It’s believed illegal dumping is responsible for a contamination event at Koolunga Reserve in Ferntree Gully.

Photos posted on 9 January on the Friends of Koolunga Native Reserve Facebook page show a milky substance filling the waterway where Rowan Jennion, vice-president of the Koolunga Native Reserve said ducks reside.

Mr Jennion said this was not an isolated incident and that only a few days earlier a similar contamination event had occurred.

“It seems to be a bit of a recurring thing and is starting to recur a little bit more often,” he said.

“We’ve put posts up twice in the last week, and then one event on 30 November.

“This week and last week was very milky and looks like the same substance, but the one in November was different and had more of a turquoise colour to it.

“We’re not scientists but it can’t be good for any animals that use the waterway and you do wonder how they survive in such a polluted environment.”

The substance that polluted the waterway remains unknown, though the EPA is investigating.

An EPA spokesperson told the Mail that that the pollution was likely the result of substances being dumped down a storm water drain.

Mr Jennion explained to the Mail that there were various resources available to people wanting to get rid of their liquid waste.

“It’s so frustrating and disappointing and so irresponsible and lazy,” Mr Jennion said.

“People either don’t know where there drains go and the impact it has, or they don’t care and are just being lazy of how they dispose of their waste.”

Sustainability Victoria service offers a free disposal service for liquid waste.